Child Abuse and Neglect Facts

The problem of child abuse and neglect is being given increased
attention in communities across the country.

Abuse and neglect of children affects many people in the community. The
abused or neglected child is the primary victim. Such maltreatment may
lead to a variety of problems and disorders that may follow the child
into adulthood.

The abusive or neglectful parents or caretakers suffer as well. Most of
them do not want to hurt children but may be repeating the abusive
behavior they themselves experienced as children. Other family members,
especially brothers and sisters of abused children, may exhibit emotional
and behavioral problems as well, even though they themselves are not the
primary targets of abuse.

Finally, communities as a whole suffer. As abusive and neglectful acts
touch lives in ever-widening circles, the potential for harm to the
"fabric" of the community increases.

How to recognize abuse and neglect...

The most commonly recognized types of abuse and neglect are physical
abuse, physical neglect, emotional abuse, emotional neglect and sexual
abuse or exploitation. Signs of abuse and neglect include:

A child with repeated injuries such as bruises, welts, or burns

A child who is withdrawn, angry, depressed, aggressive

A child who exhibits extremes in behavior, such as being excessively
aggressive or being overly compliant; being afraid to go with a
caretaker or clinging and not wanting to separate

A child who is inadequately dressed for the weather, is malnourished,
physically dirty, tired, or unsupervised; or is not receiving needed
medical treatment

A child who shows signs of or reports sexual abuse or has a sexually
transmitted disease.

Who reports?

Any citizen may report; however, those who are "mandated
reporters" can be fined for failure to report suspected abuse or
neglect to the Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotline. Mandated
reporters include:

Doctors

Nurses

Staff in private or public hospitals or institutions providing care and
treatment of children

Teachers and employees in public or private schools (including nursery
schools, and day care centers)

Babysitters employed on a regular basis

Mental health professionals

Social workers

Probation officers

Law enforcement officers.

Any identifying information about the person reporting will remain
confidential unless otherwise ordered by the court. Persons reporting in
good faith are, by law, immune from civil or criminal liability.

When a complaint is made...

A Child Protective Services social worker will determine if the
complaint should be investigated.

If the situation warrants an investigation, this must be initiated
within 24 hours of the complaint; certain cases immediately.

The CPS worker will interview the child, the non-abusive
parent/caretaker and the alleged abuser and others having pertinent
information.

The CPS worker has the legal authority to...

Talk to the child alone without parental consent (state policy mandates
that schools cooperate with the investigation).

Take photographs or arrange for X-rays, without parental consent, for
the purpose of documenting injuries, bruises, or cuts.

Take the child for medical attention if the parents or other
caretaker(s) refuse to do so; however, if this becomes necessary, the
Department of Family Services must take custody of the child.

Take immediate emergency custody of a child.

What can Child Protective Services do?

Child Protective Services recognizes that children need to be with their
own parents. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to place a child who has
been abused in alternate care. But more often than not, we work to change
the family system through interventions such as counseling, parenting
programs, child care and support from volunteers who relate well to the
family to enable a child to remain safely in his or her own home. Parents
and children can receive support and guidance from their CPS social
worker, from programs that use specially-trained volunteers, and from
public and private resources.

What can you do?

Learn to recognize the warning signals and indicators of child abuse
and neglect.

If you suspect abuse or neglect, contact the Child Protective Services
Hotline at 703-324-7400.

Encourage schools to provide classes in parenting education for
students and parents.